Task 3: Examine the Rise of Nationalism before and during WWII and debate its impact
Nationalism: loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially: a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups (Merriam Webster Dictionary)
Questions
What are the reasons for the development of Nationalism? (consider Pre-WWII Europe and today)
How is Nationalism related to WWII?
What is the connection between Nationalism and Fascism?
What are the dangers of Nationalism?
How does Nationalism relate to globalization?
Video: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Video: Contemporary Fascist Movement in Greece
Expressions of Nationalism
Source 1 Read the lyrics to Max Schneckenburg's The Watch on the Rhine (1870) Source: Modern History Sourcebook
This was a favorite song of the German soldiers during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Now the song is probably most famous as the song sung by Nazi soldiers in Rick's Bar in the film Casablanca.
A VOICE resounds like thunder-peal, 'Mid dashing waves and clang of steel: The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine! Who guards to-day my stream divine? Chorus: Dear Fatherland, no danger thine; Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
They stand, a hundred thousand strong, Quick to avenge their country's wrong; With filial love their bosoms swell, They'll guard the sacred landmark well! Chorus: Dear Fatherland, no danger thine; Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
The dead of an heroic race From heaven look down and meet this gaze; He swears with dauntless heart, "O Rhine, Be German as this breast of mine!" Chorus: Dear Fatherland, no danger thine; Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
While flows one drop of Gcrman blood, Or sword remains to guard thy flood, While rifle rests in patriot hand, No foe shall tread thy sacred strand! Chorus: Dear Fatherland, no danger thine; Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
Task A: Go through the each stanza, identify striking imagery. Put down in your notes your thoughts about the denotation/connotation of this imagery. How does this imagery feed and express nationalism? What is your response to this imagery?
Task B: Identify a contemporary example of nationalism. Prepare a 3-5 minute presentation. Explain your example. Identify whether you think this nationalism has more of a positive or negative impact and for whom.
Nationalism: loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially : a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups (Merriam Webster Dictionary)
Questions
What are the reasons for the development of Nationalism? (consider Pre-WWII Europe and today)
How is Nationalism related to WWII?
What is the connection between Nationalism and Fascism?
What are the dangers of Nationalism?
How does Nationalism relate to globalization?
Video: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Video: Contemporary Fascist Movement in Greece
Expressions of Nationalism
Source 1
Read the lyrics to Max Schneckenburg's The Watch on the Rhine (1870)
Source: Modern History Sourcebook
This was a favorite song of the German soldiers during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
Now the song is probably most famous as the song sung by Nazi soldiers in Rick's Bar in the film Casablanca.
A VOICE resounds like thunder-peal,
'Mid dashing waves and clang of steel:
The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine!
Who guards to-day my stream divine?
Chorus: Dear Fatherland, no danger thine;
Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
They stand, a hundred thousand strong,
Quick to avenge their country's wrong;
With filial love their bosoms swell,
They'll guard the sacred landmark well!
Chorus: Dear Fatherland, no danger thine;
Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
The dead of an heroic race
From heaven look down and meet this gaze;
He swears with dauntless heart, "O Rhine,
Be German as this breast of mine!"
Chorus: Dear Fatherland, no danger thine;
Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
While flows one drop of Gcrman blood,
Or sword remains to guard thy flood,
While rifle rests in patriot hand,
No foe shall tread thy sacred strand!
Chorus: Dear Fatherland, no danger thine;
Firm stand thy sons to watch the Rhine!
Task A: Go through the each stanza, identify striking imagery. Put down in your notes your thoughts about the denotation/connotation of this imagery. How does this imagery feed and express nationalism? What is your response to this imagery?
Video clip from Casablanca of the French outsinging the Germans.
Images of Nationalism
Questions
What is the view of Nationalism in each image?
Is Nationalism always negative?
Task B: Identify a contemporary example of nationalism. Prepare a 3-5 minute presentation. Explain your example. Identify whether you think this nationalism has more of a positive or negative impact and for whom.